Lane Kiffin has reacted to Derrick Nix’ move to Auburn as the offensive coordinator.

Nix is expected to also coach running backs at Auburn to replace Cadillac Williams, according to multiple reports. Nix began as a running backs coach under former Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt in 2008 and held that position until 2020. He then moved to coach wide receivers under Lane Kiffin, and was given a promotion and substantial raise.

Here’s Kiffin’s statement on Nix’ move:

“We are grateful for Coach Nix and express our gratitude to Derrick and his family for their invaluable contributions and dedication to the success that we have achieved at Ole Miss. Acknowledging the opportunity to become a first-time playcaller with full-time play-calling duties as Offensive Coordinator at Auburn University, we extend our sincere well-wishes to the Nix family in this new endeavor. We will begin the search for a new wide receivers coach immediately with the objective of finding the best fit to coach the top wide receiver room in America.”

Ole Miss wide receivers have been excellent for a while. The Rebels produced a pair of 1,000-yard receivers with Nix coaching the position: Elijah Moore in 2020 (1,193) and Dontario Drummond in 2021 (1,028). Malik Heath made 60 passes for 971 yards in 2022, and Tre Harris posted 985 yards on 54 receptions in 2023.

Auburn has made a habit of changing offensive coordinators. Nix will be the 7th straight season Auburn has had a new offensive coordinator. It was Chip Lindsey in 2018, Kenny Dillingham in 2019, Chad Morris in 2020, Mike Bobo in 2021, Eric Kiesau and Will Friend in 2022, Phillip Montgomery in 2023 and now Nix in 2024.